IUD

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Why Aren’t IUDs More Popular?

Thursday, January 30th, 2014

The IUD is one contraceptive device that seems to not be getting a fair shake. Birth control pills, contraceptive implants, condoms, and surgical sterilization are all more popular, despite the fact that most of these methods are either permanent or require perfect usage by the woman – in other words, remembering to take the pill every day at the same time, or being able to consistently use a condom in the heat of the moment. (Disclaimer: you should always use a condom if you aren’t in a monogamous relationship, but if you are, and you know that you are both free of STIs, a contraceptive method that frees you from having to use condoms can be a welcome change.)

An IUD is a small device shaped like a T which your physician must insert into your uterus. There are copper IUDS available as well as hormonal IUDS which release progesterone; both kill sperm and make the lining of the uterus inhospitable to fertilized eggs. Once inserted, an IUD can be left in place and forgotten for five to 10 years, depending on the type of IUD used. (However, it can also be removed at any time the woman chooses.) The IUD’s string hangs out through the cervix to enable the woman and her doctor to occasionally check that the device is still in place correctly.

IUDs may be a great option for sexually active teens, because they don’t require the same level of attention that birth control pills do – you can’t forget to use your IUD. In fact, IUDs are an excellent choice for any woman who may want to become pregnant eventually, but who knows she is a long time away from being ready. In addition, IUDs are extremely cost-effective when used for a period of several years.

The use of IUDs does not interrupt foreplay the way some methods can; it also does not require the cooperation of your sexual partner. IUDs are perfectly safe for women who are breastfeeding, and when an IUD is removed, fertility returns immediately. The bottom line is that IUDs are extremely effective, extremely safe, and extremely easy to use.

In spite of these benefits, less than 4% of women choose IUDs as their birth control method. Why is that? Part of the issue may simply be that doctors are not recommending IUDs with great frequency, and therefore many women may not even be aware of the availability or the benefits of IUDs. Surveys show that many doctors (about 30%) have doubts concerning the safety of IUDs, such as the possibility that IUDs may increase the risk of infection or jeopardize fertility. These were common concerns when IUDs first appeared on the market, but it is now understood that these fears are unfounded and IUDs are safe for use.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Ease of Use Most Important Factor in Contraceptive Method

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

A wide variety of women use contraception in the modern day, whether they are simply putting off having a child for the time being or they have decided not to have a child at all. The type of contraception that a woman chooses can have a big impact on her life, and is one of the most important decisions that she can make. One study examined the contraception methods used by a variety of women, across both age and social lines, to determine what factors were most important in determining the type of contraception used.

Not surprisingly, one of the most important factors used by women in determining their method of birth control is its ease of use. The birth control pill can be notoriously difficult for some women to keep track of. It must be administered at the same time, every day, to be effective. That is why an increasing number of women are turning to other contraceptive methods, such as IUDs, to prevent pregnancy.

However, as a doctor I feel it’s my duty to urge women to think a little bit more about what contraception is best for them. There are a number of other factors besides ease of use to consider when choosing a method of birth control, from the permanence of the method you want to use to biological issues which may play a huge role in determining the efficacy of your chosen method. For example, an IUD may be best suited for a woman who has already had children and is looking for a more long-term solution to prevent pregnancy. Before making a decision about your birth control, be certain you engage in a dialogue with your doctor to determine what solution is best for you. There are so many options out there that it is easy in this day and age to find something tailored to your individual needs.

 

– Yvonne S. Thornton, M. D., M. P. H.

Free Birth Control For All? Yes!

Friday, July 22nd, 2011

When you’re on a strict budget, out-of-pocket costs can convince a woman to forego birth control. But getting pregnant is a much more expensive proposition and comes with a lifelong commitment — one that many women are neither emotionally or financially ready to make.

The new health care law requires the Department of Health and Human Services to create a list of health services that new health insurance plans must provide without deductibles or co-pays. And the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine (IOM) has prepared a report recommending that birth control be on that list.

…the Guttmacher Institute estimates that 98 percent of sexually active women will use contraception at some point during their reproductive years, and that cost concerns are frequently cited as a reason for inconsistent use or use of a less then optimal method.

 

In fact, Guttmacher said in testimony submitted to the IoM earlier this year, “Women citing cost concerns were twice as likely as other women to rely on condoms or less effective methods like withdrawal or periodic abstinence.”

Along with the recommendations concerning birth control, the IOM recommended a number of other preventive care services for women be made available without deductibles or co-pays:

…annual “well-woman” visits; screening of pregnant women for gestational diabetes; screening for sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV; more support for breast-feeding mothers; and counseling and screening for possible domestic violence.

I urge HHS Secretary Sibelius to accept the IOM recommendations. Women’s health issues have taken a backseat for too long.

– Yvonne S. Thornton, MD, MPH